Saturday 19 June 2010 was a memorable day in the history of St Mary's Catholic Church Dubai, when the parishioners honoured their priests and thanked them for their selfless dedicated services.  As the 'Year for Priests' festivities concluded, the parishioners gathered for a solemn high mass concelebrated by our Bishop Paul Hinder and 15 priests from all parishes of the UAE in thanksgiving for the gift of priests.  In explaining the gospel passage of the day, the Bishop urged the faithful to pray for their priests so that they can be true disciples of Jesus and lead the people to sanctity. 

           

After the mass the priests were warmly welcomed by little children in white robes waving the 'Year for Priests' flags into the main hall for a felicitation programme.   The parish council vice president Aboline D'Cunha read the felicitation address and expressed the appreciation of the parishioners for the wonderful work done by the small number of priests in the vicariate in serving the large number of faithful.  A short powerpoint presentation was beamed to introduce all the priests in the UAE.  The highlight of the evening was the presentation of mementos to all the priests of the UAE.  The first prize winners of the Poetry and Elocution contests presented their  prize winning  Poetry / Speech to the Audience.

                           

In his address, the Bishop recollected the good example of his parish priest in his childhood which influenced his priestly vocation.  Quoting the letter of St Peter, the Bishop reminded the audience that even the laity is called for priesthood through the sacrament of Baptism and urged everyone to live true to their calling.  Parish Priest Fr Tomasito noted that many times we take for granted things that happen in our everyday life.  Priests too are human who need love, understanding and forgiveness from the people.

 

The prize winners in the various contests conducted as part of the 'Year for Priests' celebrations were awarded prizes and certificates by the Bishop.

 

                     

On the cultural front, the parish children welcomed the audience with song and dance at the beginning of the programme; Filipino youth cheered the audience with a dance presentation and the Little Flower choir gave a prayerful rendition of 'prayer for priests'.  St Mary's English choir and Christian Voices chorale were in attendance for the mass and the felicitation programme respectively.

 

The programme was successfully compered by Conchita Fonseca.  Gaulbert Pais, the Main Coordinator of the event, thanked all those who helped in organising the event.

 

   

"May this special year for Priests be an opportunity to develop the Communion and churches entrusted to their care. This should be a special year for the Catholic Church to pray, to reflect, to celebrate and to give honour to priests. Thus the priests should be an example of St. John Mary Vianney who lived like the Good Shepherd".

In times of trouble, in times of grief, He's the one we often seek.

Always available in time of need, even if he's deep asleep.

So simple, so pious, in the image of The High Priest.

What a friend to rely on, what a friend we have in priest!